New report questions the happiness of free-range birds

As World Poultry reported yesterday, the University of Sydney released the results of a new study about the welfare of egg-laying chickens in free range systems:

"Researchers have discovered that free range hens experience just as much or more stress than hens raised in modern, conventional cages. This is contrary to allegations of animal rights activists saying that hens in modern cages live a horribly stressed life. Dr. Jeff Downing at the University of Sydney, conducted a recent study measuring corticosterone, a hormone produced in response to stress or fear, in eggs from free range and modern caged hens. In both types of eggs, levels of the hormone were similar."

The report is illuminating. But, is it entirely accurate? It's important to examine a full range of statements by poultry scientists and experts to arrive an educated conclusion. Read up on now!

A Year-End Pop Quiz From East Bay Animal Advocates

An East Bay Animal Advocates annual dispatch would not be complete without a piece of quirky trivia. California has some bizarre laws on the books. We would like to take this opportunity to quiz you on your knowledge of irrelevant legal information:

Question: In the Golden State, it is legal to throw which two items from a moving vehicle?

While you ponder your answer to the question, we would like to extend our sincere appreciation for your support for animal protection. Thanks to your care and concern, EBAA efforts have steadily grown over the past four years to advocate on behalf of millions of animals abused in California agriculture. EBAA is delighted to remember our triumphs for the year. Our 2007 scrapbook includes:

• The debut of our vivid magazine The Advocate

• Rescues of egg-laying hens from factory egg farms

• Prominent media spotlights from news services like CNN Money, Associated Press and East Bay Business Times

• Formal recognition from the Internal Revenue Service of our organization's tax-exempt status

• The creation of our organization's strategic plan with the guidance from acclaimed Compass Point Nonprofit Services

• Corporate partnerships with local retailers like Rainbow Grocery and Farmer Joe's Marketplace

• The launch of our Holiday Facts advertising campaign with The San Francisco Chronicle

For the New Year, we are gearing up for the release of new reports on animal food production and kind-hearted campaign antics to persuade Lunardi's Supermarket to end the sale of battery cage eggs. We are also supporting Californians for Humane Farms.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your commitment to protecting those in need. We invite you to explore www.SupportEBAA.org for a variety of ways to contribute to our advocacy work.

Before our year-end departure, we have a retort to the question asked earlier.

Answer: Clear water and feathers from live birds are the only contents that may be legally ejected from vehicles in California.

East Bay Animal Advocates promises to uphold our commitment to protect animals abused in California food production. Our New Year's Resolution is a simple task: Follow the feathers.

Reading is the key to staying warm this winter.

Californians are known for their sensitivity to colder temperatures (i.e. 65° F or below). With the winter season upon us, what better way to beat the cold than to read a good book by a roaring fire. EBAA has the perfect paperback recommendation for the shivering book-worm: Striking at the Roots: A Practical Guide to Animal Activism.

Written by the dynamic Mark Hawthorne, the new book, which spotlights our work, "brings together the most effective tactics for speaking out for animals and gives voice to activists from around the globe, who explain why their models of activism have been successful – and how you can get involved. Concise and full of practical examples and resources, this guide dispels the myths surrounding animal activism and will empower you to make the most of your skills."

Read an excerpt from the book and order a copy of it today. Don't forget to stay warm this winter too!

Our last service day of the year is this Saturday!

Help out at Harvest Home Animal Sanctuary in Stockton this Saturday, December 8 from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Please bring a cardboard box for the bunnies!

Saturday's Farm Agenda:

• •Dust the chickens
• Build play structures for the rabbits
• Clean out the goat barn
  

To participate, please send an email to volunteer@eastbayanimaladvocates.org by Friday, December 7 at 3:00 PM. You will receive driving directions in the email response. Please wear comfortable shoes and warm clothing. We will provide tofu dogs and drinks for everyone.